I accepted a job.
It's not with Target.
I have grown to love my job and the people I work with but God has called me someplace else. A position I have prayed for since November. A job that will allow me to focus on photography to my heart's content. A job with my friends. Downtown. Doing something meaningful and purposeful and relational.
My last officially official day with Target is April 19th and at that time, a chapter that has taken nearly 4 years of my life will end. Something I thought I would devote myself to will no longer be a part of my life. My Target family... my Target friends... my after work outings and my closing weekend "what's for dinner" questions will no longer be on my mind...
It is bittersweet since I nearly left it all behind once, and then was drawn back last fall. But I crushed those challenges and I became who I needed to become and I formed those relationships and I faced my perceived inadequacies and proved to myself that I could do it.
I had my review today (what a coincidence). I told my boss, As long as I did what a set out to do... as long as I grew as a person and as a leader... as long as I made strides and you would've been proud to take me on as a peer... then I'm okay leaving this place. I'm okay with the decision I made to come back and now this decision to leave.
People congratulate me. Congratulations! they call out when I tell them I'm moving on. I cannot tell you how many people have told me they're "proud of" me. And maybe they're right. Maybe I was in danger of being stuck.
My friend told me tonight at Barley's that he doesn't want to get stuck. He doesn't want to settle. Eventually there will be a time he moves on (he's been with Target 16 years...). He of course didn't like that I'm leaving. He told me the worst part about working so long in retail is how you make friends with people at work and then they all leave eventually...
Touche, my friend...
But I'm excited for this new adventure I start next Monday. I'm excited for the opportunities it holds, the flexibility it will give me. A Monday-Friday 9-5 job seems like the thing to hold on to. A good schedule to have. I don't know. Whatever God gives me will suit me just fine and this seems to be it. So, good bye, Target! You have served me well and you provided me with my best friends and you shaped me into who I am today and I thank you for it. I hope I do you justice in the future by remembering where I came from.
And to my Target family, new and old... thank you for your support and love. Through the worst times of my life and then through some of the best. Thank you for tolerating me, accepting me, teaching me and allowing me to lead you. You have helped me in ways I cannot articulate. You will always have a special place in my heart... and please do not hesitate to reach out... for Saturday swims with the grandkids or midnight after-work Old Chicago... please do not forget me.
Thank you.
Peace out.
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